Celebrate National LGBTQ Youth Awareness Week!

May 25th marks the first ever National LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) Youth Awareness Week! This week serves to raise awareness for LGBTQ issues impacting youth and to empower people to work toward solutions in the LGBTQ movement. Issues being addressed during this week are violence, homelessness, school and community safe spaces, and resources for staying healthy.


Did you know…

• 5-10% of the general public is lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender
• 28% of lesbian, gay and bisexual youth drop out of school because of verbal or physical harassment by other students
• LGBTQ youth are at an increased risk of homelessness, dropping out of school, physical or emotional abuse, depression, substance abuse, rape and suicide.

What Can I Do?

• Advocate for fairness and equality for all people
• Don’t use derogatory words, anti-gay jokes, or stereotypes to describe LGBTQ people
• Start a GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) at your school
• Speak out against anti-gay behavior
• Attend an event to support gay rights

For more information on this campaign or to advocate for LGBTQ youth, please visit the National Youth Advocacy Coalition

Source: Lambda Legal

Eat to Beat the Heat!

There are some foods that naturally make your body hotter or colder; this is why most delis stop serving soup in the warmer months and the ice cream truck isn’t driving up your block on New Years Eve. Now ice cream is certainly one well-known way to cool off, but it isn’t the only option or the healthiest. On hot days, it is a good idea to eat fruits and veggies that contain a high amount of water and electrolytes since they will help replenish what your body loses in its sweat.

Healthy Food Options for Spring and Summer

Oranges, grapes, watermelons, cantaloupes, pineapples, cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuce are all tasty examples of foods that will help you cool down, and tropical fruits like bananas, papayas, and mangoes are great sources of energy when you are feeling fatigued and overheated. Oranges, a great source of vitamin C, make an easy, on-the-go snack since they don’t require a container—you can just peel and eat!

Nearby Farmer’s Markets for Cheaper Produce

Delaware State University Farmers’ Market
Location: DSU Administration Bldg. (parking lot) Dover, DE 19901

Times/Dates: 10AM-2PM Saturday April 25-September 19

Historic Lewes Farmers' Market
Location: ***NOTE*** The Market will be held at two locations

#1: Lewes Historical Society Complex 110 Shipcarpenter St Lewes, DE 19958

#2: Richard A. Shields Elementary School (parking lot): 910 Shields Ave
Lewes, DE 19958

Times/Dates: 8AM-Noon Saturdays May 30-October 10

Wilmington Farmers' Market at Rodney Square
Location: Rodney Square, East 9th & 11th Streets Wilmington, DE 19899

Times/Dates: 10AM-2PM Wednesdays May 13-October 14

Wilmington Hospital Campus Farmers' Market Sponsored by Christiana Care
Location: Wilmington Hospital 504 W. 14th Street Wilmington, DE 19801

Times/Dates: Noon-4PM Mondays & Wednesdays July 13-August 20

For a complete list of local farmers’ markets and contact information, click here.

Shaping Up For Spring!

If you have taken to hibernating as your form of exercise during the cold, winter months now is the time to get up off the couch and start your spring workout routine! The weather is getting warmer and there are no more excuses for sitting indoors…besides, bathing suit season is right around the corner!

Here are some tips for being successful in your spring workout routine:

• Begin a workout journal, writing down goals, a workout routine, and sets/reps of weight lifting exercises. Also write down how you’re feeling, what is working well for you, and areas where you would like to see improvement.
• Start out light and work your way up to more intense exercise. Don’t kill yourself the first time out of the gate! You’re less likely to continue a routine if you are too sore to get up the next morning…
• Find a workout buddy! Working out with a friend is more fun and can serve as great motivation to continue a routine (as long as you aren’t hitting the breakfast buffet after a morning jog…)
• For best results, incorporate weight lifting and cardio into your workout.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Especially with the weather warming up, make sure to be drinking water throughout your workout and throughout the day.
• Have fun! Choose exercises and activities you enjoy and remember to change up your routine often enough to keep it exciting and enjoyable!

SAAM Comes to an End

As Sexual Assault Awareness Month winds to a close at the end of April please keep in mind that sexual assault is very prevalent and preventable.

Here are a few tips to remember:

• It’s important to ask for consent for every act of sexual contact in order to protect yourself and your partner. Don’t assume your partner is into it…always ask and make sure to receive a verbal ”Yes” before proceeding.
• Because the majority of sexual assaults occur between people who know each other, stay safe as much as possible when out with others. Try to limit your drinking and drug use as it impairs judgment and your ability to freely consent to sexual intercourse.
• Stay in pairs or groups. Make sure to never leave a friend alone.
• Keep an eye on your beverage at all times, as date rape drugs can be easily slipped into a drink.
• Don’t forget that there are many resources out there for survivors of sexual assault. It’s important to speak to someone about your experience.

Check out this
PSA brought to you by RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network).